Arroz con Leche

There is something about Fridays that I really love. Even now that I work from home and weekends have lost all meaning, Fridays still feel like they are the end something long and tiring call week. Oh lovely lazy winter weekends. Is there anything better than that?

To celebrate Fridays I am going to post dessert recipes starting today. And what a better way to start this new tradition than with a Mexican classic that is enjoyed by young and old, rich and poor, pious and sinners. I am talking about Arroz con leche, rice pudding for the rest of the world.

In a medium sized pot cook rice in 1½ cups of water with cinnamon sticks over medium heat.

When most of the water has evaporated, add condensed, evaporated and regular milk and stir gently.

Stir constantly and keep an eye on it. Milk tends to boil over the minute you turn your back on it. I know because it happens to me every freaking time.

Cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Take the cinnamon sticks out and stir in raisins.

Serve with some ground cinnamon on top.

3.1.09

Arroz con leche thickens when it cools down so make sure to use enough milk. I like arroz con leche when it is warm, but you can eat it cold. My mom even uses it as a filling for empanadas. She uses less milk and refrigerates it so it is really thick before baking the empanadas. For a twist on this recipe, stir in a shot of rum or brandy before serving it. That will be a winner in your next party, not on a kid’s party though, unless you live in Mexico and kids are used to eating desserts with a twist. I will talk about rompope (an alcoholic drink for kids) some other time.

YES! I love how you are always cooking up great memories from my childhood. It was my Basque grandfather who use to make this tho. He went the whole milk route. I never thought to use condensed milk but YUM totally makes sense. Great post!

Oh em cheese-itz! Just let me say, iv been craving Arroz con leche for years! My mom always used to make it for us when i was young, but now that she's past away, i miss the smell and warmth that comes from it. THANKS so much for posting the recipe, it really brought me back.

Hi, this looks really yummy!! I love arroz con leche, especially my mom’s! It’s so warm and comforting for the fall and I love it as a dessert with a lighter meal. Thanks for sharing – I reblogged this on my tumblr blog http://www.mexfoodrecipes.com with a link to you. Check out my blog for other fabulous Mexican food recipes! Have a great day, Maria